NMMU squash stars earn USSA selection

Jul 20, 2017

The NMMU-Madibaz squash players Hayley Ward and Bianca Brown kept the varsity flag flying high at the University Sport South Africa tournament in Johannesburg this month, both being selected for the Top Six at the conclusion of the event.

Competing in the individual event, the 19-year-old Ward, a second-year accounting student, finished fourth, followed by the 21-year-old Brown in fifth spot.

In the team competition, which combined the men’s and women’s sections, Madibaz ended fourth overall.

Both players said the tournament had provided tough competition, but were delighted with their performances.

Ward, a former Collegiate pupil, said the final outcome was a boost for her confidence.

“I am so happy I was able to accomplish this because it shows that all the hard work has paid off,” she said.

“The squash was very competitive. In the individual rounds, I started in the seventh position, so it was great to finish off at number four.”

She added that the highlights of the week were receiving the most improved player award and being named at number one in the Best of the Rest team. This side is named at the end of the tournament and does not include members of the winning university.

“Besides the individual section, I thoroughly enjoyed the team event,” said Ward. “There was a lot of spirit in the team and encouragement from the whole squad, and we were all there to support one another.”

She paid tribute to her mother, Gail Millard, for her constant support and advice, while also acknowledging the contribution of her coach, Greg La Mude.

“Greg has been a role model for me, helping me with my game and always supporting me.”

Brown, who was educated at Hudson Park in East London, said she felt she played some of her best squash at the USSA tournament, having narrowly missed out on Top Six selection last year.

“It was reward for the hard work I have put in, even though I found the tournament very tough,” said the third-year law student, whose matches all went to five games.

After losing in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Alexa Pienaar of UJ, she won her remaining matches in the 5-8 playoffs to end fifth.

She said she had gained confidence in her playing ability from the week.

“Besides that, I also learnt how to better incorporate a good length with my attacking short game.”

Brown also alluded to the importance of the team event as she reflected on some of the highlights.

“The big highlight of the week was certainly our team match against University of Stellenbosch where Gershwin Forbes snuck the one game which we needed to avoid a points count-out, allowing us to make the semifinals.”

Looking ahead she said she would be aiming to make the USSA side for the International University Sports Federation Games next year.

“If my studies allow, that will be my big goal for 2018,” she said.

Madibaz Sport squash manager Melissa Awu said they were proud of the two players’ achievements, as well as the performance of the team.

“It was indeed a competitive tournament and great to watch.

“The girls really flew the Madibaz flag high and showed great sportsmanship throughout. We congratulate them and they can only improve from here.”

Image: Madibaz squash stars Hayley Ward (left) and Bianca Brown were included in the University Sport South Africa Top Six at the conclusion of the tournament in Johannesburg this month. Photo: Supplied